OR Wages Rise+Fireworks Ban+New Protocols For Homeless Sweeps

Oh, happy day! Friday is here! Just get through today and then we have the weekend. Unless you've started early. And if I know you, Portland, you have.

First, today's weather: Partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 84 Low: 61.

Here are the top stories today in Portland:

1. Oregon's minimum wage is going up! On July 1st, minimum wage in the Portland metro area went up to $14/hour. The increase will affect other areas differently, with the minimum wage becoming $12.75 in "standard counties", such as Deschutes and Lane, and $12 in "non-urban counties" like Baker and Morrow. (OPB)
2. Be careful this holiday weekend. Local healthcare providers are warning Portland residents that area hospitals are at or near capacity and are asking people to reserve emergency rooms for life-threatening emergencies, such as heart issues or stroke. (KATU)
3. Neighbors at a Multnomah Village apartment complex had to subdue one of their own after he began shooting bullets into the surrounding area. Beginning as a violent verbal exchange, Luke Stolarzyk left and returned shortly after with a gun, firing a total of 29 bullets into homes and cars. He was tackled and disarmed by an unidentified person and others helped to tie him up. (KOIN.com)
4. Mayor Wheeler has banned the sale of fireworks in Portland. Portland Fire & Rescue had announced a ban on fireworks Tuesday, but that didn't include the sale of fireworks. Hot and dry conditions prompted Gov. Brown to declare a state of emergency and many other towns in Oregon are banning fireworks, as well. (KGW.com)
5. Portland City Council formalized protocols for sweeps of homeless camps. Among those protocols are deprioritizing camps that are more than 10 feet away from doorways and the authorization of construction of "safe rest villages". (Willamette Week)

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Today in Portland

1. Enjoy a First Friday party with Jailbreak Studios on E Burnside. They'll be featuring art from many of their new up-and-coming artists, as well as complimentary champagne. Afterwards, head up to enjoy the views from their rooftop bar. 5:00 - 7:00 PM.
2. The World Famous Kenton Club presents Scott Jeffries and the Essential Workers. Opening set by The Misbehavers. Get your tickets early for this outdoor show. 6:00 - 9:00 PM.
3. There's an art show from the Sincanvas Group with live music from the Beat-On Brats at Afru Gallery in SE Portland. Expect 2 sets for this all-ages show, the first one at 8:00 PM and the second at 9:00 PM. The art show itself is from 7:00 - 10:00 PM.
4. Join the Decadent 80's for their 17th Anniversary and Pretty In Pink Party. The longest running 80's dance night in Portland will be at the Lombard Pub, but if you don't want to deal with the public, this will also be live streamed, from the bar, over Zoom and Twitch. 8:00 PM to midnight.
5. If you're in the mood for some good, old fashioned rock and roll, head on over to the EastSide Bar and Grill on 82nd Ave. Tonight they'll be featuring Dirty Secret and TangenT. Get your tickets at the door, show starts at 8:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• Portland Protests: Of all the trials that plagued Portland in the past year of so, it was the many protests that thrust us into national headlines. They made their impact on everyone and one local artist, Luka Grafera, has made a series of illustrations of them. (Willamette Week)
• Portland, Oregon: "Happy to see the lights on at the Hollywood theatre! - Photo by: @owenkosmalaphotos" (Instagram)
• Travel Portland: "As of today, June 30, the sun has officially set on Oregon's old COVID restrictions! BEFORE you throw out your masks,..." (Instagram)
• Portland Audubon: "Important message: If you see a baby bird on the ground, it's important not to assume it's injured. Right now, lots o..." (Instagram)

It's Friday, Peoples, so go have more fun than a basket full of puppies. But you've got a long weekend ahead, so stay hydrated, remember to stretch and keep a smile on your face.

— Dominic Anaya

About me: Doctor, educator and now a writer/artist, I'm just chillin' in Portland, OR with my wife, our ferrets, our chickens and our goats.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Portland Daily? Email all inquiries to me at portland@patch.com.